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Cotton Market: following was ruling Addling, prices here yesterday: 13 3-4 rts. Good mid VOL. NO. 48 RE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS BRINGS UP HOT ISSUE pAL MEMRERS OF CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR CLASH Mayor Smith Strongly Opposed to Purchase of Old Clark Banking Co. Site. citizens oppose purchase. Last Session of City Council Was Warmest Ever Held in This City Tuesday Night. For the past month the question of ■the city buying headquarters for the ire department has been under con oration by the city officials and !evera l places have been suggested jud recommended the for council that something purpose. At a meeting of lie a month ago a proposal was made lor the city to purchase the building formerly occupied by the Clark Bank jug company, but now the property of the Bank of Newton County, for sum of $3,000. The property was offered the city on terms of f 1,000 payable January 1, 1910; $1,000 paya¬ ble January 1, 1911, and $1,000 paya¬ ble January 1, 1912. The deferred payments to bear interest at the rate of6 per cent per annum. At that time the advisability of the purchase m gone into and after considerable ! discussion and a failure of the mem¬ bers of the council and the mayor to agree, the question was tabled for fu¬ ture consideration. The County Com¬ missioners were also approached about the city using the lot in the rear of the court house for the pur¬ pose of erecting the fire departments headquarters thereon, and the Com¬ missioners agreed to let them have it without eost for the erection a build¬ ing on it. It was estimated at that time that the building could be placed thereon at a cost of something less than one thousand dollaija. The definite disposition of the mat¬ ter was to have taken, place at the regular meeting of the council last Tuesday night, hut when a motion was made that the city purchase the Olark Banking Co. property, one of the hottest discussions ever brough t forth in the council chamber follow¬ ed. A ballot was taken and it was found that Mayor Smith was strongly Keep What You Reap! Good Crops, High Prices For your produce are of no lasting benefit if you spend every year all That they bring you. Make your successful harvest do more than car r y you until the next one. Deposit the proceeds of this crop with us and check it out as your needs require it ail, l see to it that there is a surplus a t the end of a years time A Clear Profit on Your Business We will keep your money safe, gh e you every consistent accommoda= turn and co-operate with you in every Wa y possible to make your farm pay y°u greater dividends than it has ever ( h>ne before. Call to see us. First National Bank Covington, Georgia. Cwwgtflii Wong I opposed to the measure as also were Councilmen J. R. Stephenson and A. S. McGarity. Four of the councilmen were as strongly in favor of the pur¬ chase, Messrs. C. C. Brooks, Edward Heard, F. E. Heard and J. H. Echols. A motion was made by Mr. Brooks that the mayor be overruled in the matter and that the mayor pro tem, Mr. Edward Heard, be given power to close the deal. Mr. Heard stated that he would sign the order if the motion was carried. A hot argument followed the motion, which was lost. A warm discussion came up and an effort was made to get the mayor to support the motion, which he flatly refused to do, giving as his reason therefor that the city already had an outstanding debt amounting to ap¬ proximately $16,000.00, a bonded debt of $85,000.00 and that he did not see the advisability of putting the city practically three thousand dollars further behind the game for head¬ quarters for the fire department when a suitable place could be obtained for fully a third less. For these reasons he was opposed to it, and as long as he was mayor of Covington it should not be bought, or if it was it would be on an order from the courts. Saturday afternoon an investiga¬ tion was made by the members of the council favoring the purchase to see if it would be possible to overrule the mayor and instruct the clerk to sign the notes for the city. The investi¬ gation showed that this could be done but it also developed the fact that the Mayor could file a bill of injunc¬ tion against the clerk signing the notes and consummating the sale, and he immediately instructed the clerk as to what would be done incase he, the clerk, signed them. During the investigation it was asked the city attorney if the fact that a member of the city council was a stockholder in the company now owning the prop¬ erty did not disqualify him from vot¬ ing for the purchase of the property by the city. The attorney stated COVINGTON, GEORGIA, NOVEMBER 10, 1909. that it did not keep the vote from counting unless an objection was made at the time the vote was cast. The matter is being freely discuss¬ ed by the citizens of the city and as far as we are able to ascertain fully three fourths of them are with the mayor in his fight against the pur¬ chase of the property. They all be¬ lieve that buying the building under ordinary circumstances would be a splendid investment, but do not think that under the existing conditions of the city’s financial condition it would be wise for them to buy it at this par¬ ticular time. In order that we might get in touch with the sentiment of the people of the city a reporter of this paper went out Saturnay afternoon and asked the following gentlemen what their views were on the matter and they had the following to say about it: When asked what he thought of the purchase of this property by the city Mr. G. T. Smith said: “In the present financial condition I it very unwise for them to this building for headquarters of fire department.” Mr. C. S. Thompson, cashier of the Bank of Covington, said: “I consider the purchase of this building very un¬ wise, considering the present heavy taxes of the city, when some other place just as desirable at much less cost can be secured. I think the most advisable plan would be to rent a building for a few years. It shows little business management to put money into a building which would not be suitable for the purpose after the purchase. The building is entire¬ ly too short for a home for the fire department.” Dr. N. Z. Anderson, a prominent physician and president of the First National Bank, said: “I am dead against the city purchasing this prop erty for $3000. There seems to be lit¬ tle business shown in the affairs the city, when a place in the rear the court house can be equipped equally as well at a eost of about one third that of the purchase price this building.” Mr. A. N. Hays, a prominent citizen and fertilizer manufacturer, said “While I am not in a position to know what the needs of a fire department headquarters require, still, I am of the opinion that in view of the city’s financial condition at present, that it’s a little too much to invest in property of that kind.” Mr. John Taylor, one of the city’s heavy tax papers, had the following to say: “I am very much opposed to the city purchasing this expensive building for the fire department head¬ quarters when her present indebted¬ ness is so near the limit.” Mr. C. A. Sockwell, connected with the Newton County Oil Mill, said: “Until we get the requirements of the Southeastern Tariff Association I don’t care to be quoted as to the best thing for the city to do. If they do not require this I am in favor of a cheaper place.” Mr. E. O. Lee, owner of more rent¬ able houses than kny other citizen of the city, said in part: “Yes, I am against any such action of the council and believe nine out of every ten cit¬ izens of the city are, too. The city could with very little cost prepare a place which would answer equally as well. There are other places which could be secured at a very small eost which would be ample headquarters Mr. D. A. Thompson, warehouse¬ man and one of the heaviest tax pay¬ ers of the city, said: “While I have ho objection to the price placed on the building offered the city for fire headquarters, I do not think the city should at present put that much mon¬ ey out at interest for the people to pay under the present high tax rate.” Mr. S. P. Thompson, president of the Bank of Covington and former mayor of the city, said when ap¬ proached by a News reporter: “Un¬ der the present financial conditions of the city treasury and the heavy tax rate we are now paying, and with many more places just as suitable at a much less cost, I think it very un¬ wise management of the city’s affairs to invest something like $3,5000 for a place to put the fire company. With much less cost other places suggested could be made very suitable for the location of the fire company.” When the mayor, Mr. Chas. G. Smith, was asked about the matter he said: “I regard the transaction as a reck¬ less use of the people’s money. In the first place the city does not need this building for a fire department, five hundred dollars would answer every purpose. Everyone knows that (Continued on last page.) MR. H. b. anoerson STRICKEN SUNDAY. One of the Best Known and Loved Citizens Died at Home in This City at Noon. Mr. H. Branham Anderscm, a man known and loved by all the people of this city and county, was stricken with paralysis at his home in this city at an early hour Sunday morn¬ ing, from which he did not rally, death following as a relief to his suf¬ ferings about noon. It would be a difficult undertaking and oue which would fall far short of what we intend should we endea¬ vor to enumerate the many noble traits of character, the open-hearted disposition, and the willingness with which Mr. Anderson always helped with during his entire life. He was truly a model citizen and a friend to every cne, willing and anxious to make life’s walk easy for his fellow man, to extend an encouraging word and assistance to all in made no difference whether for friend or a stranger he gladly did what he could for them, without os¬ tentation or expectation of reward His was truly a friendly and helpful influence and one which will be sadly missed by more people than the pass age of any other citizen would cause The writer knew Mr. Anderson and had the privilege of calling him friend. We, like many another citi¬ zen, will miss his hearty handshake and words of encouragement. He possessed that unusual sense of not having to be told of anothers misfor¬ tunes and who was never known wait for someone else to first lend the helping hand. Mr. Anderson was held in the high¬ est esteem by the entire population of Covington, Newton county and everywhere else he was known. Sev¬ eral times during his life he has held important and responsible positions of honor tendered him by the citizens of this county. He was sheriff of this county for several years, served the county as ordinary, held the position of postmaster of Covington, was the first man elected as warden of the federal prison in Atlanta, and has been identified for years as one of the most substantial and honorable citizens of the city. Some time ago Mr. Anderson had a stroke of paralysis which was shortly followed by the second one, and since that time he had never regained his strength entirely, it having left him partially without use of himself. On Sunday morning he was taking a bath and his little daughter who was in the next room heard him call her, and she immediately ran into the room, but he had already received his last call and was unconscious when she got to him. Dr. Anderson was called and in a few minutes was doing all in his power to alleviate the sufferings of the stricken man but all efforts were in vain, and he did not regain con¬ sciousness or rally from the' shock. He died at noon. Mr. Anderson leaves a wife, two daughters, a number of relatives and host of friends to cherish his men ory, and in the long evenings to med¬ itate on the noble disposition and life¬ long practices of one of the best men has ever claimed as a cit¬ The funeral occurred at the Baptist of which he was a member one of the deacons, Monday af¬ the interment taking place West View cemetery. , COTTON DROPPED. Last Thursday the Price Went Down on Spot Cotton About 50 Points. Both the buyers and the farmers bringing cotton to this city were con¬ siderably jarred last Thursday when the quotation reached the city that cotton had dropped something like fifty points during the day. A lot of the staple came to town that day and the sellers expected the market to be somewhere around fif¬ teen cents per pound. When the price began to drop they decided not to sell and quite a bit of it was placed in the warehouse. Well, we are at it again, making those same good oyster stews like we made so many last season. Try one when in town and wanting something to eat and then you need not be afraid of acute indigestion from eat¬ ing your dinner in town.— Parkers Place. Shoes for men, boys and children at Cohen’s. former warden ACQUITTED THURSDAY Mr. J. M. Davis, Charged With Intimacy With Convict, Found Not Guilty. Mr. J. M. Davis, former warden of the county convict camp, was tried at the session of the City Court which convened last week, and the verdict of the jury was “Not Guilty.” During the first part of August Mr. Davis was locked up in a ear in which a negro woman convict was kept and charges were made against him. A true bill was returned by the grand jury ip September charging him with adultery. He gave bond and returned last week for trial. It developed during the trial that he was discharged the same morning of the incident and since that time he has been in Tift county where he has held a position with the agricultural college at that place. He left immediately after his acquit¬ Mr. Davis is a former resident of county, and came back here dur¬ the month of March to take charge the convict camp for this county. has always been considered a and moral gentlemen, and has a number of friends in this city county who are gratified at the of the jury in exonerating him, contending all the time that he had done nothing to be censured for. In his statement at the trial Mr. Davis gave as his reason for having been in the car that he was there at¬ tending to his duty, as he was trying to catch someone else who been in the habit of coming to the camp and meddling with the convicts. Plumbing Contract Let. The contract for the water and sewer connections in the county jail was let last week and Shirley Brothers will do the work. They are just com¬ pleting the work at the court ‘house and will begin this new contract sometime during the week. Dry Pine Wood delivered anywhere in town. Phone 141-J, or apply to S. A. BROWN, City.—tf. Still We Grow! Why? Because This is a strong, careful, and safe and successful institution. It is a growing, active, up-to-date Bank in Every Particular. Your account will be appreciated by the bank and your interests will always be carefully considered. Our Funds are guarded by a mod¬ ern equipment and all covered by burglar insurance. Our officers are experienced bank¬ ers. Our directors are all well known, well-to-do business men; they are directors who DIRECT. If you are not a customer of this Bank let this be an invitation to become one. The Bank of Covington Covington, Georgia. CAPITAL $ 100 , 000.00 PIANO FREE The News is going to give some lady in this county a handsome $350 Schulz piano on Dec. 22, 1909. $1. A Year In Advance. THE CHICKEN SHOW WILL DRAW CROWD People of City And Surrounding Country Are Becoming Interested. Interest in the Poultry Show to be held here on the 7-8-9 of December is growing and every day additional entries are coming in from this city and county. Birds are also being en¬ tered from Walton and Rockdale counties, as the show is to include specimens from the three counties, and it is confidently expected that as fine a collection of chickens, pigeons and turkeys will be seen here as were ever exhibited in the state. While only fowls from the three counties will be eligible to compete for the prizes, a large number of the different varieties and breeds of chickens will be placed on exhibition here from fanciers all over the state who want to enter them as an adver¬ tisement and a lot of them will be for the show. While this will be the first of its to be held here, the people are falling into line and are be¬ very enthusiastic about it, every thing they can to make a success which is now an assured as practically all the plans have definitely made and the entries already reached a flattering It is confidently expected that there will be in the neighborhood of two hundred birds entered which will make a magnificent showing of thor¬ oughbreds—the good old blue-blooded stock. The Association has secured Mr. Loring Brown, proprietor of the Bel¬ mont Farm, and one of the best poul trymen in the south to be the judge for the occasion and the local breed¬ ers know from his reputation that they will get a square deal all the way through. While the arrangements for the show have been about completed the members of the Association are not idle by any means and are busy look¬ ing up entries and boosting it in or¬ der that as large a crowd as possible will attend. Anyone having birds they have not entered can find blanks at the News office and the Association will be glad for them to make their entries.